Three days later, Huaxia Country's border troops suddenly withdrew, lifted the alert, and dispatched Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff to negotiate with Yue Country, requesting Yue Country to also withdraw. Seeing that Huaxia Country had proactively withdrawn its troops without hostility, Yue Country also began to orderly withdraw its troops. The tense atmosphere at the border was completely swept away, and diplomatic relations between the two countries resud as if the massive explosion had never happened.
As for the explosion incident, Yue Country's external explanation was that an earthquake caused a cave collapse. As for the surviving troops, they were all under gag orders, and a strong public opinion campaign was launched to broadcast the impact of this natural disaster, urging people to donate and provide relief to the affected families.
The political changes were completely unknown to Luo Zheng, who was resting in a lounge on the nuclear submarine. The team continued southbound; after the withdrawal of the Guard troops, they retreated much safer. They arrived safely at a deep-sea coast, boarding the nuclear submarine that was sent for rescue.
Along the way, everyone ate and slept, woke up to eat again, and received treatnt from the dical staff on the nuclear submarine, living comfortably and freely. Two nights later, the nuclear submarine quietly surfaced in a deep-sea area of Japan, and everyone boarded a luxury yacht that ca to pick them up.
The luxury yacht belonged to Huaxia Country's diplomatic mission, enjoying diplomatic privileges, making it unchecked. Arriving to greet them were the ambassador and martial arts officer at the Japan Embassy. The martial arts officer personally piloted the cruise ship over. The two knew Luo Zheng, Lan Xue, and others from previous exchanges.
After so pleasantries, everyone boarded the luxury cruise heading towards Japan's capital. The ambassador and the martial arts officer were trustworthy, and everyone rested on the cruise, feeling assured. As dawn broke, the cruise arrived at the dock. The ambassador gestured for the main group to stay put while the martial arts officer remained behind to watch over them. Luo Zheng, Lan Xue, and Scholar changed into casual clothes brought by the ambassador, leaving first in the ambassador's car.
Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of a luxury hotel near Fushan. Everyone got out of the car with the room keycards the ambassador had pre-booked and entered the hotel, taking the elevator to the top floor. Opening the door, they found a luxurious villa with five guest rooms, a deluxe living room, and a conference room.
The rooms were lavishly decorated, but for those accustod to living on battlefields, there was no sensation. Luo Zheng comfortably remarked on the sofa, "Human civilization society is indeed better."
"The embassy rented the hotel's top floor under the guise of a travel agency, ample enough for us to hide. It's thorough planning, using the ant move strategy to ferry people over—it's safe enough. But the ambassador is quite busy; after all, he's the ambassador, and we're just ordinary foot soldiers," Lan Xue said sowhat sentintally.
"Don't underestimate us; we are people who've accomplished great feats. Didn't you hear the ambassador say? As long as we fight fierce and resolutely, instill fear in the enemy, their job becos easy. As the ambassador said, ferrying a few people is nothing compared to dealing with those on the negotiation table," Scholar chuckled.
"Though that's the case, let's not dwell on this. Yue Country has been troubled enough by us; our actual target lies ahead, the Ninja Headquarters beneath Fushan," Lan Xue reminded, looking at Luo Zheng with a hint of love and anticipation.
"Wonder if those ninjas sent so personnel to Yue Country, but speaking of the headquarters, surely top experts are stationed there. This battle won't be easy and requires cleverness. Why not continue using poison?" Scholar suggested with a smile to Luo Zheng. The missile base battle previously succeeded due to poisoning tactics which enabled them to infiltrate smoothly; otherwise, victory wouldn't have co so easily.
"Not just top experts, the headquarters lies within Fushan, and the location of the entrance is unknown. There are troops stationed on the surface, and they are elite Japanese forces, known for their strength. The entrance to the Ninja Headquarters is likely at the military post; this battle plan is currently a blank slate," Luo Zheng spoke gravely.
Upon realizing Luo Zheng had no solution, Lan Xue and Scholar also beca solemn, pondering tactics. A while later, Ghost Hand, Mountain Eagle, Snow Leopard, and Niu Gang arrived sent by the ambassador; everyone continued discussing strategies. So knew bits about Fushan's situation as they previously infiltrated the underground prison to rescue Ye Laixiang, but whether the headquarters and the prison were the sa location remains unclear.
Without sufficient intelligence, everyone was at a loss. Luo Zheng, feeling troubled, said, "Still lacking intelligence. It seems that the crucial task is resolving the intelligence issue, uncovering the Ninja Headquarters' location. Without a target, this battle won't be easily fought. Xue Er, co to Fushan with in the afternoon; everyone else stands by at the hotel and manages their teams."
"Yes," everyone replied in unison.
Gradually, people arrived, and by noon, als were delivered to the guest rooms. Everyone ate sufficient food and drink, then returned to their rooms to rest. Luo Zheng and Lan Xue disguised as a hip-hop couple, wearing patched clothes, adorned with quirky chains and hats, and large sunglasses—appearing like street dancers with no hint of military disposition. The equipnt was provided by the ambassador.
The two exited the hotel, hailed a taxi using Japanese, and headed straight for Fushan. So parts of Fushan are open to tourists. After alighting, Luo Zheng and Lan Xue headed towards the mountain top, showing no interest in open areas. An hour later, they reached a high slope, cuddling like other couples, covertly glancing towards the back mountain and quietly exchanging views.
The dense forest behind made it hard to discern the full picture; what's beyond the woods was unknown. More distant views were entirely obscured. Luo Zheng's face sank, saying in a low voice, "Seems necessary to find a way up tonight, to observe at close range and gather useful intelligence, otherwise this battle won't be easily fought."
"Yes," Lan Xue spoke helplessly.
"Excuse , sir, could you take a photo for us?" A voice sounded beside them.
Turning around, Luo Zheng saw a gentleman standing with a lady, appearing to be a couple, speaking in Japanese. Luo Zheng took the cara with a smile, without speaking, and after they posed, he took two shots and returned the cara. Encountering requests for photos in scenic spots was common, so Luo Zheng paid little mind.
Luo Zheng didn't pay attention, but beside him, Lan Xue stared intently at the person with increased vigilance. Notably when the person took the cara from Luo Zheng's hand, their body slightly bent and feet spaced in a ready offensive or defensive stance, a typical reaction for trained individuals confronting enemies.
If ordinary folks, they'd typically stand feet apart, parallel while receiving items, with hands extending forward, bending slightly to thank the giver—a natural grateful gesture unconsciously expressed. Though the person was thankful, their body leaned backward while feet spaced in a staggered stance, evidently cautious of sothing, which made Lan Xue inwardly alert.
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